FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued the next assertion after The Late Present host Steven Colbert revealed that CBS declined to air an interview with a Democratic candidate amid ongoing political stress from the FCC:
“That is one more troubling instance of company capitulation within the face of this Administration’s broader marketing campaign to censor and management speech. The FCC has no lawful authority to stress broadcasters for political functions or to create a local weather that chills free expression. CBS is absolutely protected below the First Modification to find out what interviews it airs, which makes its determination to yield to political stress all of the extra disappointing.
“It’s no secret that Paramount, CBS’s guardian firm, has regulatory issues earlier than the federal government, however company pursuits can not justify retreating from airing newsworthy content material. The FCC is powerless to impose restrictions on protected speech, and any try to intimidate broadcasters into self-censorship undermines each press freedom and public belief. I as soon as once more urge broadcasters and their guardian firms to face agency towards these illegal pressures and proceed exercising their constitutional proper to talk freely and with out authorities interference.”
Learn the total press launch right here.